Reviews by wendyk

This review is for Il Gambero, Parkville VIC

verified email - 19 Dec 2007

This is basic, wholesome food. It may not be the fanciest food or location however it would be rare that you would be disappointed especially if you stick with the pizzas and pastas of which there are many to choose from. The desserts are also really nice!
BYO.

The service is very attentive and polite.

Approximate cost: $15

This review is for Cafe Oggi, Burwood East VIC

verified email - 19 Dec 2007

Overall this restaurant was ok. The ingredients were good quality and they did not skimp even on the more expensive items. The food was basic italian, well prepared, however it was nothing special given the prices being paid.

It was quite busy on the night which may contribute to some of the following observations. The service was sparse and bland however it was polite.
It was very very noisy - it was difficult hearing what the person next to me was saying let alone the one opposite. This improved later in the night when it was only half as full. The food took a long time to come out.

Approximate cost: $20-25

This review is for Tien Dat Restaurant, Box Hill VIC

verified email - 04 Dec 2007

The food was really good here. There wasn't a lot on the menu, but combined with the specials board there was a good selection to choose from.

The food was fresh and tasty and did not come either too quickly nor too slowly, which was impressive given they were extremely busy.

Inside was a little squishy and noisy but outside was spot on to sit. The waiters were attentive, polite and obliging.

You definately have to book to guarantee a spot, there was a constant stream of people arriving on the Sunday night we were there.

Approximate cost: $15 - $20

This review is for The Retreat, Brunswick VIC

verified email - 04 Dec 2007

This is a pub with some personality both in the decor and the people.
It is a versatile place with "dining" area, out door sitting including a fake (but tasteful) grass area, public bar and a couple of rooms that you can book out.

The food that we had was typical quality pub food with a wide range of options to choose from. There is a BBQ that you can get a simple sausage or hamburger which is a great idea.

The wine list is limited featuring mainly wine that we hadn't heard of before but they do have a few more beers on tap.

Only down side was a couple of guys that were getting out of control (breaking glass, being verbally abusive, throwing things around) were not pulled into line until the bouncers started their shift and then promptly kicked them out.

It was a nice way to spend a Firday evening out in the beer garden.

Approximate cost: $5 - $25

This review is for Avtar Indian Takeaway, Heidelberg VIC

verified email - 07 Nov 2007

This is generally a take away only place. There are some tables and chairs set up however it is not geared towards dining in.

The food from here is always spot on, really really nice and amazing value. The meat in the curries is generaous and rarely fatty or grisly. If you ask for hot (chilli hot) you actually get real hot unlike so many other places these days. There are a lot of curries to choose from as well as some other tid bits. Don't be put off by the beaumarie!

Order ahead as the food can sometimes take up to 40 minutes due to how busy they are and they cook the bread fresh.

ONLY down side is that you may get stuck with the couples kid talking to you while waiting for your food.

Approximate cost: $13

This review is for Toscanos of Kew, Kew VIC

verified email - 08 Oct 2007

Toscanos Kew ALWAYs has the freshest fruit and vegetables, lasting much longer than any other you can buy. They also have a huge variety of things, many which you probably have not even tried.
Prices are excellent in comparisson given that the product is so much better.
Staff are great, always willing to assist you in anyway they can and very friendly. Can get very busy at peak times though so time when you go.

This review is for John Coakley Motors, Kew VIC

verified email - 08 Oct 2007

We have used Coakley motors for a number of years and have never had a problem. We initially had an older car with lots of problems but nothing was too much effort or took too much time for them to figure out what was wrong and came up with innovative ways to fix or overcome at a very reasonable cost. We now have a new subaru that we take there with no worries.
They do not try to pull the wool over your eyes and never do work that you have not authorised or without giving you an approximate cost. The team members (including a female) are friendly and very helpful.

Approximate cost: $varies

This review is for Thai Terrace, Kew VIC

verified email - 08 Oct 2007

We usually get take away but have eaten in a couple of times. The food is always fresh, full of flavour and high quality. The staff are friendly no matter how busy. It has a nice relaxing atmosphere.

This review is for Hotel Kew, Kew VIC

verified email - 08 Oct 2007

Pretty straight forward pub. Food is to be expected of pub food. Set up is good, especially if you want to go there to watch sport.
It is a great pub to go to if you want to avoid crowds and unruly people.

Approximate cost: $18

This review is for Bombay Beat, Hawthorn VIC

verified email - 08 Oct 2007

Food was really good, we asked for our curries to be extra hot and we actually got hot. Big serves, good quality meat.
Service was non existent, we struggled to get their attention each time we wanted something, it was not super busy.
Decor is basic but neat and tidy.

Approximate cost: $18